Is Cerro Gordo, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Cerro Gordo, IL — Water Quality Report
Cerro Gordo's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,433 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cerro Gordo's water
Cerro Gordo ranks #319 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cerro Gordo relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Cerro Gordo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cerro Gordo, IL water safe to drink?
Cerro Gordo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,433 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cerro Gordo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cerro Gordo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cerro Gordo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cerro Gordo's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Piatt County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sangamon River.
Where does Cerro Gordo's water come from?
Cerro Gordo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,433 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sangamon River (river).
What Cerro Gordo residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cerro Gordo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cerro Gordo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CATERPILLAR INC. DECATUR FAC. DECATUR, IL62526 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
ADM DECATUR COMPLEX DECATUR, IL625265666 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Piatt County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cerro Gordo's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.87 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cerro Gordo compares by contaminant
Explore where Cerro Gordo ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cerro Gordo's water comes from
Cerro Gordo's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,433 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cerro Gordo
Cerro Gordo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cerro Gordo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CERRO GORDO | IL1470100 | 1,433 | GW |
How Cerro Gordo compares
Full Illinois rankings →Cerro Gordo's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Cerro Gordo, IL
Wikipedia →Cerro Gordo, nicknamed Fat Hill, is a town in Piatt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,316 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cerro Gordo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Piatt
Frequently asked questions
Is Cerro Gordo, IL tap water safe to drink?
Cerro Gordo's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #319 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Cerro Gordo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Cerro Gordo's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Cerro Gordo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cerro Gordo's water come from?
Cerro Gordo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,433 residents.
Is Cerro Gordo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cerro Gordo uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 3 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Cerro Gordo's water compare to other cities?
Cerro Gordo ranks #319 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 64% of state cities) and #4679 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cerro Gordo's small water system affect quality?
Cerro Gordo's system serves approximately 1,433 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 3 violations on record.